Nursing Courses in Australia for International Students
Are you planning to study nursing abroad? Australia is one of the best & most popular places to do it.
But as an international student, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the various involved aspects like fees, visas, & most importantly, future job prospects.
As per the latest data from the Department of Education, 27.1% of the total number of students are studying on campus in Australia.
This blog throws light on this and gives you the full picture, from course types to career paths, so that you can eventually make a smart decision.
With the help of a study abroad consultancy, you can, to a large extent, simplify your journey & avoid surprises.
Why Should You Study Nursing in Australia?
Australia is significantly facing a nursing shortage. According to recent reports by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal (ANMJ), by 2035, the country could be short by 70,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurses.
The demand is real, more clinics, more hospitals, & an ageing population all need more skilled nurses.
This makes nursing in Australia an absolutely strong field for international students. If you qualify, you might land a job soon after you complete your graduation.
Plus, the nursing degree obtained from Australia is highly respected globally. A registered nurse from Australia has a high level of credibility in several countries.
Types of Nursing Courses
There are different types of nursing courses that are being imparted in Australia. You can pick one of them based on your background as well as long-term goals.
Bachelor of Nursing
- This course usually lasts for 3 years.
- It offers comprehensive coverage: theory + clinical placements.
- It leads to the status of Registered Nurse (RN).
- English Requirement: IELTS 7 (Writing 6.5) or PTE 66 (Writing 58).
Master of Nursing
- It is designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- The duration of this course varies from 1 to 2 years.
- Specialisations obtained after completing this course are education, leadership, practice, etc.
- English Requirement: IELTS 7 (Writing 6.5) or PTE 66 (Writing 58).
Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry)
- This is for applicants with any bachelor’s degree, even if not in nursing.
- Duration: typically 2 years full-time.
- Includes foundational nursing theory + extensive clinical placements to prepare for RN registration.
- English Requirement: IELTS 7 (Writing 6.5) or PTE 66 (Writing 58).
Graduate Certificate / Diploma Certificate
- Shorter (6 months to a year).
- For specialisation or to fast-track into the most advanced roles.
- Often chosen by working nurses with the aim of upskilling themselves.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for nursing courses in Australia, you must meet all the set academic and language criteria.
Academic Requirements
- For a Bachelor's, most Australian universities require high school completion with a biology background.
- For a Master's or Graduate Certificate, a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field is often required.
English Proficiency
Universities in Australia commonly accept the following scores:
- PTE: Minimum overall score of 65, with at least 65 in each of the four skills. You may now combine scores from two PTE Academic tests taken within 6 months, as long as:
- No score in any skill is below 58 in either sitting, and
- The combined result clearly meets the 65 in each skill requirement.
- IELTS: e.g. 7 overall, listening, reading, speaking: minimum 7.0 each, writing minimum 6.5.
- TOEFL: Listening & Reading: minimum 24 each, Speaking: minimum 23, & Writing: minimum 21
It is imperative to always check the specific university requirements, as they can vary to a certain extent.
Cost Breakdown
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs (2025 estimates) for international students who are studying nursing in Australia:
Expense | Estimated Cost (per year, AUD) |
Bachelor Tuition Fee | AUD 34,000 – 45,500 |
Master Tuition Fee | AUD 35,000 – 50,000 |
Graduate Certificate | AUD 13,000 – 30,400 (total) |
Diploma of Nursing | AUD 12,000 – 20,000 (total) |
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | AUD 1000– 1500 per year |
Living Expenses | AUD 21,000 – 24,000 per year |
Living expenses are approximately AUD 29,710 per year for visa applications (updated 2025 requirement)
Top Universities (Affordable Options)
Here are a few of the most affordable & well-regarded universities for nursing in Australia:
University | Course | Estimated Annual Tuition (AUD) |
Central Queensland University (CQU) | Bachelor of Nursing | AUD 36,870 per year (3-year Bachelor) |
Charles Darwin University (CDU) | Bachelor of Nursing | AUD 34,576/year |
University of Sunshine Coast | Bachelor of Nursing | AUD 29,400/year |
Western Sydney University | Bachelor of Nursing | AUD 32,928/year |
These regional or mid-tier universities often offer lower tuition fees as compared to big-city institutions, making them the most attractive for several budget-conscious students.
Process of Application
Here is a step-by-step guide to how DESMA International supports your nursing study application:
- Counsel: We arrange personalised sessions to understand your profile and confirm the right nursing course in Australia.
- Select: Guidance to shortlist suitable Australian universities and nursing programs.
- Apply: End-to-end support with applications and required documentation through official portals.
- Visa: Assistance with the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) process and key requirements.
- OSHC: Help in arranging mandatory Overseas Student Health Cover.
- Depart & Support: Pre-departure guidance and continued support after arrival for a smooth transition.
AHPRA Registration for Nursing in Australia
AHPRA registration is the mandatory licensing procedure for nurses who want to work anywhere in Australia. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), along with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), ensures that every nurse mandatorily meets the required standards of safety, skills, & professionalism before practising.
In order to apply for AHPRA registration, internationally qualified nurses must necessarily provide proof of nursing education, proficiency in English language, identity documents, & recent professional practice. AHPRA carefully evaluates whether your qualifications stringently meet the Australian standards. In several cases, candidates may also be asked to complete an Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA), which generally includes a multiple-choice exam & also a clinical exam to test the practical skills.
The process of registration also involves thorough background checks, verification of all overseas credentials, & submission of the detailed work history. Once everything is approved, nurses receive their registration number & can legally work in the various hospitals, community health centres, aged care facilities, & several other healthcare settings across Australia.
AHPRA registration is considered to be a crucial milestone because it opens the door to strong career growth, excellent working conditions & handsome salaries. For nurses who are planning to settle in Australia, this particular registration serves as the foundation for long-term professional success.
Career Prospects
Once you complete your nursing education & register with NMBA, several career paths eventually open up:
- Graduate Nurse Programs: Most of the hospitals run structured programs for new nurses.
- Clinical Roles: Work in the most renowned and reputed aged care, community health.
- Specializations: Mental health, Critical care, midwifery, nurse education.
- Leadership Roles: Clinical educator, Nurse manager, etc.
Salary:
- Average RN salary: AUD 70,000 – 95,000 per year
- Entry-level (RN Level 1): AUD 64,000 – 70,000 per year
- Experienced RN (5+ years): AUD 85,000 – 100,000+ per year
- Specialized roles (Critical Care, ICU): AUD 82,000 – 106,000+ per year
Employment outlook: Given the shortage of nurses in Australia, job opportunities are very strong, specifically in regional areas.
Conclusion
Your decision of studying nursing in Australia as an international student is a strategic, and rewarding choice.
With a critical manpower shortage of over 70,000 nurses that is projected by 2035, strong salaries ranging from AUD 70,000-95,000, & clear pathways to permanent residency, your career prospects are exceptional.
However, navigating the visa requirements, NMBA registration, university applications, as well as financial planning can prove to be exceedingly complex. Working with a study abroad consultancy like DESMA International always ensures you have expert guidance through each of the steps – from selecting the right course & university to securing the registration & building your global nursing career.
No matter if you are aiming for a Diploma, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree, Australia offers the best and world-class education, diverse clinical experience, & a pathway to a highly stable, & respected profession.
Contact DESMA International today for a free consultation & start your journey to becoming a registered nurse in Australia.
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